Coordinator, Sterilization [United States]

 

Overview:

Under the direction of the Director, Infection Prevention (RN, CIC) in collaboration with Environment of Care and Environmental Services, the LVN Infection Prevention Specialist, is responsible for participating in the planning, developing, implementing the aspects of infection prevention and control activities within AltaMed Health Services Corporation. The LVN Infection Prevention Specialist helps to prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by implementing protocols to isolate sources of infections and limiting their spread; systematically collects data, and applies the prescribed Infection Control plan. In collaboration with the Director of Infection Prevention, monitor appropriate public health practices; and trains healthcare staff through instruction of information on infection control practices. This individual is responsible for assisting and supporting the implementation of the Regulatory requirements as stipulated by: CMS, DHCS, HRSA, OSHA, CDC, The Joint Commission, and California Department of Public Health, to ensure that Sterilization and High Level Disinfection processes and Infection Prevention practices meet regulatory standards.

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The Sterilization Coordinator will work in partnership with the LVN Infection Prevention Specialist, Nurse Supervisors, Dental Services Specialists, as well as the individual Autoclave Specialists and employees at the clinic and dental sites. The Sterilization Coordinator will implement Sterilization and High Level Disinfection Programs, while providing onsite support. The Sterilization Coordinator will provide direct observation of the infection prevention precautions, as well as the Sterilization and High Level Disinfection practices that occur in the clinic/dental environment. This individual will share all concerns and new developments as they occur with the Director of Infection Prevention. Sterilization Coordinator will ensure that the Nurse Supervisors, the Autoclave Specialists and employees are trained, competent, and suited for their roles and in compliance with Federal, State and OSHA regulations.

This individual will help to enhance a culture of safe sterilization and disinfection processes, by assisting the Director of Infection Prevention to increase awareness of infection prevention practices, ensure engagement of the Autoclave Specialists by providing education, monitoring to ensure adherence to the program guidelines. This individual will assist with the prevention of infectious diseases by observing activities in the employee work environment. The Sterilization Coordinator, supports the Director of Infection Prevention in the development and execution of continuous process improvement initiatives, while collaborating with cross-functional leaders in Health Services, Ancillary Services, Senior Care Services and Dental Services.

Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with the Director of Infection Prevention by participating in the design and development of the Infection Prevention Annual Risk Assessment, Infection Prevention Program, and Infection Prevention Plan for Dental/Medical based on risk assessment.
• Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of Infection Prevention systems that support the planning process.
• Assists the Director of Infection Prevention in monitoring Sterilization and Disinfection program, provision of the Sterilization and Disinfection Education of Staff.
• Reports infection surveillance, prevention, and control information to the Director of Infection Prevention.
• Collaborates and reports infections or concerns related to transmission of infection and disease to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
• Assist in the communication of infection prevention and control activities to dental/medical staff, visitors, patients, and families, such as: hand hygiene and respiratory protection practices.
• Implements the Infection Control and Surveillance Plan for the Dental/Medical which includes, but is not limited to:

• Surveillance activities to minimize reduce or eliminate risk, such as the use of standard precautions and PPE.
• Proper cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, high level disinfection of dental/medical supplies and devices.
• Storing and disposing of dental/medical equipment, devices and supplies.
• Disposing of infectious and hazardous waste.

• Surveillance:

• Collection of healthcare associated infection data through appropriate informational systems of the clinic environment.
• Assists with incorporating successful performance improvement strategies to contribute to the prevention of healthcare associated infections.
• Conducts Infection Prevention rounds for Isolation Utilization and Environment of Care Standards Compliance.
• Reports to the Director of Infection Prevention when new Infection Prevention issues are identified.
• Monthly audits of the clinics’ sterilization and high level disinfection processes, the provision of information for traceability when sharing information with regulatory agencies.

• Prevention of infections:

• Monitors effects of sterilization and high level disinfection intervention strategies on the infection rates.
• Provides input into sterilization, high level disinfection, sanitizing, disinfection and cleaning procedures and their agents.
• Provides input into reducing the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies.
• Provides input into the linen and waste management programs.
• Provides input into new product/equipment analysis and acquisition.
• Provides input for: storing and disposing medical equipment, devices, and supplies.
• Provides timely reports on the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention Program, Sterilization and High Level Disinfection Program to the Director of Infection Prevention.

• Assists the Director of Infection Prevention, in conducting suspected Dental/Medical outbreaks investigation in Dental/Medical and initiates prescribed infection control measures.
• Implements educational programs for the provision of skills and knowledge regarding sterilization and high level disinfection and infection prevention practices to ensure a safe re-processing environment for patients, and employees.
• Collects and monitors hand hygiene data for all Dental/Medical clinics to ensure employee compliance.
• Collaborates with the Director of Infection Prevention in the implementation of the Joint Commission Infection Control Chapter requirements and NPSG Goal 7.
• Serves as a member of the Infection Control Committee assisting the Director of Infection Prevention with preparation of reports and providing agenda information to Infection Control Committee.
• Supports the Director of Infection Prevention with review of organization wide Sterilization and High Level Disinfection infection prevention policies and procedures as needed, but no less than every 2 years.
• Assists the Director of Infection Prevention with compliance of Department of Health Service and Joint Commission standards, as well as implementation of CDC Guidelines for preventing infection.
• Assists the Director of Infection Prevention in conducting and completing infection prevention performance improvement strategies including but not limited to new Guidelines or Standards, Performance Improvement Teams, and/or Root Cause Analysis.
• Works collaboratively under the direction of the Director of Infection Prevention with Employee Health for post-exposure follow-up and compliance with both Tuberculosis/Airborne Transmissible Diseases and Blood-borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plans.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

RDA:

• Current California RDA license.
• High school diploma and a minimum of 3 years dental setting experience or sterilization certification required.
• Completion of a basic training program for infection prevention.

Or

Medical Assistant:

• Medical Assistant (obtain certification from California certifying Board for Medical Assistants, within 1 year of hire).
• High school diploma and a minimum of 2 years back office experience required. Sterilization certification preferred.
• Completion of a basic training program for infection prevention.

Or

LVN:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing school required.
• Current California LVN license.
• Minimum of 2 years hospital/outpatient setting experience required, with emphasis on Back Office, Sterilization and High Level Disinfection.
• Experience in Infection Prevention and Control, and experience with Sterilization and High Level Disinfection is highly desirable.

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